Thoughts on Fidelis Care

Dear
Diocesan Family,

Please allow me to update you on something you
may have seen in the news today, and about which you may have questions.

For the past 20 years, Fidelis Care has
been a managed care insurance program dedicated to serving
previously uninsured and underserved men, women and children in New York State.
Founded in 1993, Fidelis Care, governed
by a board, together with the bishops of each diocese in the State of New York serving as members, expanded throughout
New York State in 1997. It is now the largest managed
care provider in the State.

In recent years, Fidelis Care has
recognized that the health insurance industry is rapidly changing and increasingly
complex in this uncertain regulatory environment. Therefore, it was announced
today that Centene, a national leader in providing managed care, is
acquiring Fidelis Care. Centene is the largest operator of
state-sponsored healthcare in the country, and is well-positioned to continue
the successful management and operation of Fidelis Care in providing quality
care to poor and low income New Yorkers. The company currently serves more than
12 million people in 28 states. Centene's scale, expertise, and
resources - including its advanced data, analytics, and state-of-the-art technology
- will help Fidelis Care improve members' health, enhance the overall
member and provider experience, support affordability and access to care, and
expand Fidelis' grassroots, community-based approach, while continuing
to serve all those covered by Fidelis.

Not only will this transaction enable those
served by Fidelis to continue to receive high-quality healthcare, but the
proceeds will be used to establish a new foundation that will continue Fidelis'
founding mission of providing for the health and healthcare related needs
of those most in need throughout New York State. This new foundation could
become one of the largest charitable foundations in New York, and it will serve
vulnerable and at-risk populations regardless of their faith. Fidelis has retained Arabella
Advisors, experts in establishing and structuring foundations, to guide this
process.

Of course, there are many steps still to come
before this transaction is finalized, including review by state regulators.
However, I wanted to let you know of this development today, and to assure you
that, even as health care continues to evolve to meet ever-changing times, the
commitment of the bishops who serve on Fidelis' board to serving people
in need, in imitation of Jesus, the Divine Physician, remains as strong as
ever.

Be assured of my
ongoing prayers for you and your intentions. I know that you join me in praying
for our brothers and sisters who have been impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma
as well as the earthquake in Mexico.